Sauze d'Oulx used to be synonymous with lager louts and extremely hectic nightlife. While that image still persists, with lots of drinking holes offering booze at reasonable prices, there has been a conscious attempt to extend Sauze's attractions.

Just 1¼ mls across, Sauze d'Oulx has spread in a rather haphazard fashion, radiating out from the original village centre with little regard for aesthetic appeal or chocolate-box attractiveness; a mishmash of old and new.

It is good value, great for intermediate skiing, has a lively evening scene and somehow remains relatively uncrowded. Boarders will love the big, open pistes, the off-piste and the après-ski, but there are plenty of draglifts to overcome. Restaurants on and off the snow are decent and inexpensive.

The centre houses the usual collection of ski-wear outlets and souvenir emporia with the tourist office literally in the middle of the main town square. The streets are often steep and winding, and can be quite hazardous in icy weather. All in all, a bit of an ugly duckling but one with a fun-filled and friendly personality.

The accommodation is a mixed bunch, mainly 2- and 3-star, with only a few 4-star properties in entire resort. Most are purpose built, a few reflect a more traditional style.

The place is an unsophisticated, middle-of-the-road resort with young, relaxed and unfussy clientele. Suits families with children. British guests predominate. May not be ideal for first-time skiers or beginners, it is felt second-year skiers and above will get the most from it.

Locality:

Sauze D'Oulx is located in NW Italy, in the Piemonte region (10 mls NE of Montgenevre and French border, 46 mls W of Turin and its airport, 135 mls W of Milan and its airport). Sauze D'Oulx is set on a sloping NW-facing shelf at W end of Valle di Susa in W Italian Alps. Forms part of Vialattea ski-area ? or the "Milky Way", as it is commonly known.

Ski Information:

Highest lift: 2800m (9186ft), Lowest lift: 1350m (4429ft), Vertical drop: 1450m (4757ft), Number of lifts: 92, Uplift capacity: 70900 p/hr, Number of slopes: 146, Beginner: 29%, Intermediate: 50%, Expert: 21%, Total piste length: 400km